All Our Children

On the legal and legislative front, a federal judge ordered the removal of President Trump's name from the Kennedy Center and temporarily blocked its planned closure, while New York State added $150 million to its theatrical production tax credit program. Broadway closed out its 2025–2026 season with a new all-time box office record of $1.91 billion, and the Broadway League and Actors' Equity announced a new audition initiative called LEAP.

The Cleveland Play House is launching the world premiere of the new musical Freak the Mighty. Adapted from Rodman Philbrick’s novel, the story follows the adventures of two young outsiders who form an unlikely friendship.

Grab a tissue — these Tony Awards speeches may make you teary-eyed!

Hattimatim-Team has released production photos from EMPTY NIGHT, a new play written and directed by award-winning playwright Abhisek Bhattacharya. The production was presented at the Z Fringe Festival at Zeiders American Dream Theater in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Pan Asian Repertory Theatre will present NuWorks 2026 at Theatre Row, featuring self-created works by 11 artists spanning poetry, dance, music, and text.

Theatre South Playhouse in Dr. Phillips, Orlando, will present a fresh production of MATILDA: THE MUSICAL, featuring returning cast member Jonny Jones as Miss Trunchbull, directed by Hillary Brook.

On the business side, ATG Entertainment is reportedly being prepared for a possible sale by its private equity owner, while Pittsburgh Public Theater terminated its staff ahead of its merger with Pittsburgh CLO — two stories that speak to the consolidation and financial pressures reshaping the industry. Against that backdrop, Milwaukee Repertory Theater stands out as a striking counterexample: the company has nearly doubled its operating budget since 2020, opened a landmark $80 million theater complex, and is expanding its season to 13 productions, fueled by a philosophy of investing in artists and audiences rather than contracting.

Emma Rice Company's adaptation of Dylan Thomas' A CHILD'S CHRISTMAS IN WALES will return this Christmas at the Ustinov Studio, Theatre Royal Bath, following a sell-out run at the company's Frome home base.

Two-time Tony Award nominee Megan Hilty isn’t on an official concert tour, but that hasn’t stopped the popular Broadway and television performer from booking numerous upcoming dates including three in the Bay State alone.

Regal Entertainments Ltd will present ACHY BREAKY BRIDE at St Helens Theatre Royal, with Leanne Campbell reprising her acclaimed role as Jolene alongside X Factor star David Heath and a full ensemble cast.

Anthony Durone, president of the Lyric Opera of Kansas City Board of Trustees, has announced that Deborah Sandler Kemper, the company's General Director and Chief Executive Officer since 2012, will be retiring effective June 30, 2027, after 15 years of leadership.

The National Theatre has announced National Theatre Nationwide: a new landmark partnership with 12 leading theatres in all nine regions of England dedicated to ensuring parity of access to art and culture, enriching people’s lives–wherever they live.

Houston Grand Opera will bring free Storybook Opera and Meet an Opera Singer! programs to libraries, parks, and community spaces across Houston, with teaching artists leading interactive performances for children.

This week's theater news spans awards season milestones, legal disputes, labor tensions, and the business challenges facing the art form on both sides of the Atlantic. The 2026 Tony nominations are in — with Schmigadoon! and The Lost Boys leading the pack. Voting is also now open for BroadwayWorld's own Theater Fans' Choice Awards. On a more turbulent note, a fire at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre has shuttered The Book of Mormon through at least May 17, a second lawsuit has been filed against the producers of Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, and IATSE is accusing the Kennedy Center of using its upcoming temporary closure as cover to permanently eliminate union jobs. Regionally, The Naples Players have secured a multi-year grant to expand paid apprenticeships for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. And internationally, The Stage examines whether the UK touring sector — where the number of touring plays has fallen 64% since 2019 — can find a path forward through its mounting financial and structural pressures.

Jake Owen, the ACM award-winning country artist behind hits like 'Barefoot Blue Jean Night,' will perform at The BayCare Sound in Clearwater with special guest Niko Moon. Tickets go on sale soon.

Friendship is nearly always a side element in musicals. From the comic sidekick of the leading character to the backup pals who provide background vocals, friends are part of the fabric of many shows—but rarely are they the main event. 

The Seattle Symphony will present two intimate chamber music performances spotlighting Chickasaw American composer Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate at Octave 9: Raisbeck Music Center, featuring works inspired by Pacific Northwest and American Indian traditions.

59E59 Theaters has announced the productions in its Summer 2026 season, featuring a mix of solo performance, comedy, and new plays. Learn more about the lineup here!

American Mural Project in Winsted, CT revealed its May 2026 lineup, including a MOTH Grand Slam winner-hosted storytelling night, a Mother's Day family program, and Memorial Day Weekend events with decorated Air Force veteran Colonel Alton Whitley.

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art announced its 2026 Carle Honors honorees, recognizing Bryan Collier, Ellen Michelson, the International Youth Library, Claudia Bedrick, and Robert L. Forbes at a September 17 gala in New York City.

Performances are now underway for Manhattan Theatre Club's world premiere of The Balusters, a new play by Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire, directed by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon. Meet the cast of The Balusters here!

Performances are now underway for August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone on Broadway! The show recently extended, and will now play through Sunday, July 19. Meet the cast here!

Schooled on Poetry will present a live reading at the Lincoln Theatre in Columbus. The event will feature student performers and guest poets. The program celebrates spoken word and community storytelling.

On stage from 7 to 21 June 2026, the 54th International Theatre Festival will bring to Venice over 200 artists for 55 events. Director Willem Dafoe revealed the full lineup. Learn more here!

Shakespeare's Globe will present A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM from April 23 to August 29, 2026, directed by Emily Lim with a diverse cast including Audrey Brisson and Enyi Okoronkwo.